Endeavour Foundation CEO welcomes disability funding boost

Endeavour Foundation CEO David Barbagallo welcomes the announcement of additional funds to disability services in Queensland’s 2013 state budget.

“Despite tough economic times, the state government has made a tough decision to keep faith with Queenslanders with a disability and carers, and has set aside $25 million for the sector and the department to prepare for DisabilityCare,” Mr Barbagallo said.

“This will be followed by $868 million in 2018-19 to fund Queensland’s commitment to DisabilityCare and this will at last address the historical underfunding of disability services in this state.

“I am also pleased to see the commitment of $106.4 million over four years for Disability Demand Pressures, which will assist young people during the difficult transition from school or state care.

“Additional respite funds of $6.5 million will make care arrangements more sustainable for people with high needs disabilities aged 16 to 25 years and their families and carers,” Mr Barbagallo said.

“We still have work to do, but it’s reassuring to see that the Queensland government is committed to reform of the disability sector.

“When it is fully implemented DisabilityCare will improve the lives of 460,000 people with a disability, including almost 100,000 Queenslanders.

“Given the current economic climate it’s worth reiterating that the scheme will increase employment opportunities for people with a disability and their carers. This will benefit all Australians – and who can argue with that?”

Endeavour Foundation is an independent not-for-profit organisation supporting people with a disability in more than 3,700 placements from 230 locations throughout Queensland and in Sydney. These include accommodation, education, training, vocational & lifestyle opportunities.